Dec. 10: Stearns says Mets will give their “best shot” to sign Sasaki
The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes are underway and the right-hander is expected to start meeting with teams next week. You can count the Mets as one of the many teams interested in Sasaki’s services.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told reporters that the Mets are going to give it their “best shot” to sign the coveted Japanese right-hander.

Even in the wake of the massive Juan Soto deal, it’s certainly not surprising that the Mets are planning to be engaged on Sasaki. While money has not been an issue for Mets owner Steve Cohen, acquiring someone like Sasaki — a potential frontline pitcher who is subject to international bonus pool money restrictions and thus comes at a lower salary — could help New York spend elsewhere on the roster.

If the Mets signed Sasaki, he’d join a rotation with Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, David Peterson, Clay Holmes and Paul Blackburn.

Dec. 9: Fresh off race for Soto, Mets and Yankees pursuing Crochet trade (report)
Following an intense chase for superstar Juan Soto, which resulted in a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, both New York clubs are again chasing the same star. Though in this case, he’s a star who would come at a much lower cost.

According to a report in The Athletic (subscription required), the Mets and Yankees are among the clubs pursuing a trade for White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, who is considered among the most likely players to be traded this offseason and is coming off a breakout campaign in his first year as a starter. More >

Dec. 8: What’s next for Mets after landing Soto?
The Juan Soto sweepstakes has reached a conclusion. The superstar outfielder is headed to the Mets on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal, multiple sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Soto reportedly received offers from four other teams — the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers — but ultimately decided to make the move across town to the Mets after playing for the Bronx Bombers in 2024.

With Soto in the fold, the Mets will likely now focus on filling out their rotation. New York has already added Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million) and Clay Holmes (three years, $38 million), with plans to convert the latter from the bullpen to the rotation. But the team has another opening after Sean Manaea, José Quintana and Luis Severino all reached free agency in November. Manaea and Quintana remain available, but Severino is off the market after signing a three-year, $67 million deal with the Athletics.

It’s also possible Soto’s deal with the Mets will spell the end of free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso’s tenure with the team. However, with owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, we can never say never. After all, the team still has an opening at first base.

Dec. 7: Mets showing interest in more free agent starters after signing Holmes (report)
The Mets appear to be looking to further bolster their starting rotation after adding veteran reliever Clay Holmes, whom they reportedly intend to turn into a starter, and Frankie Montas. According to a report in The Athletic (subscription required), the club is showing interest in right-handers Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Flaherty, Nick Pivetta and Walker Buehler.

New York’s continued interest in starting pitchers stands to reason given that multiple starters from 2024 have either signed elsewhere (Luis Severino signed with the Athletics) or are on the free agent market (Sean Manaea).

Dec. 6: Mets listening to trade offers for Baty (report)
The Mets aren’t actively shopping third baseman Brett Baty, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post (subscription required). But teams have inquired about the 25-year-old, and the Mets are listening.

Baty, a 2019 first-round Draft pick who was MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 prospect entering the 2023 season, has a .215 batting average and a .607 OPS through 169 career big league games. He played in just 50 games this past season and posted a .229 average and a .633 OPS.

Baty, however, had 60-grade power as a prospect. That tool is making him attractive to other clubs.

“He’s got rare power,” a scout from another team told Puma. “It’s unique and, at times, he’s an inch away with his swing mechanics [from] being a more consistent higher batting average, high on-base guy as well.”

The Mets may have no room for Baty at third base following Mark Vientos’ breakout season in 2024. But if the Mets don’t re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, they could move Vientos across the diamond, leaving a space open for Baty. Regardless, the Mets are fielding offers for the lefty hitter and “would be inclined to trade him if the right deal (think starting pitching) materialized,” Puma wrote.